Obama phones Manchin to talk gun control

Manchin said in a statement released Tuesday afternoon that he and the president pledged to "work together to keep our precious children safe."

“I believe that we must have a dialogue and bring parties from all sides to the table," Manchin continued. "I know my friends at the NRA and those who support our Second Amendment rights will participate because I know that their hearts are aching for the families in Newtown, just like all Americans."

The West Virginia lawmaker characterized the discussion with the president as "productive" and said the nation needed to look at not only gun controls, but a mental health system and "a media and entertainment culture that glorifies unspeakable violence."

On Monday, Manchin told CNN the shooting had "changed me" and said he would support "the dialogue that would bring a total change — and I mean a total change" on gun violence.